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Greater Stitchwort

Rabelera holostea

Also listed as Stellaria holostea, Alsine holostea

Also known as Addersmeat

herbaceous⛅ part shade💧💧 moderate water❄ Hardy: Zone 4a – Zone 8b

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A delicate woodland perennial with slender stems and small white star-shaped flowers that bloom in spring. It makes an attractive groundcover in shaded garden areas and woodland settings.

Why grow it

Greater stitchwort offers reliable spring interest in woodland and shaded perennial borders where many flowering plants struggle. Compared to related Stellaria species, it produces showier white flowers and more substantial foliage while tolerating similar moist, humus-rich soils. It serves well as a low-growing groundcover in naturalized settings and pairs effectively with spring bulbs and early shade perennials.

Watch out for

This plant prefers consistent moisture and may decline in hot, dry summers without supplemental watering during drought periods. In overly rich soils it can become leggy and sprawl more than desired, so amending heavily with compost is unnecessary. Periodic deadheading extends bloom but is not essential for plant vigor.

Overview

Form
Spreading
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
0.5–1.5′ tall × 1–2′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Pollinators & beneficial insects

Native Range

Europe

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

Spring

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Companion Planting

Plants well with